A "kill switch" is an emergency stop or a safety means that can disable a device in an urgent situation when the device cannot be blocked in any other way. The smart phone "Kill Switch" is an anti-theft voluntary commitment that makes it possible to remotely disable smart phones and wipe data. The system is supposed to become a standard requirement on all smartphones by July 2015. Therefore, all newly released smartphones in 2015 are to be fitted with such a "kill switch" function.

The industry agreed to acquire the "kill switch" system because of the widespread mobile thefts in the U.S., which have alarmed consumers as well as law enforcement officials who see a rapid increase in the rate of mobile thefts.

Apple, AT&T, Asurion, Google, Huawei, HTC, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Sprint, Samsung, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular are the participating companies who have pledged their voluntary commitment to the agreement launched by CTIA, the trade group that represents the mobile carriers. All of these companies have committed to place a basic anti-theft tool (downloadable or preloaded) onto all smartphones. Owners of smartphones released in 2015 will have the tool for free.

Advantages of a "Kill Switch"

  •  It will disable mobile phones in the event of a theft, thus deterring thieves from stealing mobile devices
  •  It will protect the personal information of the owner in case they lose their units by mistake

How it Protects the Personal Information of Owners

  •  It remotely removes the user's personal data
  •  It disables the phone so unauthorized or unknown users cannot use it (smartphones will operate by using a PIN or password)
  •  The phone cannot be reactivated without the authorized user's permission
  •  Normal operation is reverted and the user's data is restored when the phone is recovered by the authorized user

The industry reiterated that their responsibility is to ensure the security and safety of their wireless consumers. Implementing the "kill switch" does not only recognize the companies' flexibility so they can continue to introduce changes, but will also safeguard their consumers.